The BACP definition states:


“Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. They are delivered by trained practitioners who work with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change or enhance their wellbeing.” 





Finding the right therapist for you is crucial, and I appreciate that considering therapy can, and often does, bring about feelings of uncertainty. With that in mind, I have put a few common questions below. If there is anything more you need then please ‘Contact Me’.



What’s it all about?

Therapy provides a safe, confidential space to explore and examine issues which are affecting you with a trained therapist whose aim is to help you understand and resolve these issues. I aim to provide an opportunity for you to learn about yourself in a new and unique way. A way which enables you to identify unhealthy feelings, thoughts, behaviours and patterns, and provides you with space to work out a new way of being.



Will it work for me?

I believe that everyone has the ability to be the best they can be. Some people find therapy more helpful than others. I provide an opportunity to challenge yourself by offering a non-judgemental perspective, challenges for you to explore your options, and a space to learn how to be YOU.



How long does it take?

This is something to consider carefully as any therapy requires commitment and a willingness to see yourself clearly. Some people benefit quicker than others and, as such, I offer both short-term and long-term therapy options. This is something I always discuss prior to us agreeing to work together, and making decisions on number and frequency of sessions. As an integrative therapist, I am able to offer, in agreement with you, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and CBT plus other theoretical interventions for short term contracts, all underpinned by my humanistic belief and respect. 

For long term therapy, I am very much client lead and this may include you revisiting your childhood experiences, current life events, or future events – all utilising the integrative training, and experience, that I have.



How long is a session?

Each session is 50 mins – 1 hour long.

I also offer a 30 min introduction/Q&A session, if required, prior to us engaging in any contract to work together (see Fees page for details).



Therapy offers you:

 

• the chance to speak to someone who really listens to you in a fully accepting and respectful way, with an honest interest in learning to understand what ‘it’ means to you.

  

• an agreed way of working within a professional and ethical framework, giving you a safe and confidential space to explore the issues you are living with.

 

• an opportunity for change and personal growth.

 

• the space to work at understanding, resolution or acceptance of the issues you face.

 

Therapy can bring about:

 

• a new way of being, as you learn about yourself.

 

• ways in which you can learn to identify unhealthy patterns of feelings, thoughts, behaviours, and relationships.

 

My work covers an array of issues including, and not limited to:



• Anxiety, Depression and Stress

• Health diagnoses e.g. cancer or HIV

• Loss and bereavement

• Low self-esteem and self-image

• Self-identity and what that means to you: whether it relates to sexuality, gender identity, race, culture, age, belief systems or any other issue that creates a feeling of displacement

• Work-related issues including redundancy & bullying

• Family problems and issues relating to childhood

• Adjusting to change and transitions

• Abuse, including historical abuse, rape & domestic violence

• Relationship difficulties